Opposition fears loss of social fabric

Various parties ask end of war in Blue Nile and resumption of inclusive dialogueVarious opposition political parties in Sudan’s Blue Nile state said on Monday that the worst effect of the war in the region was seen in the destruction of its social fabric.The National Umma Party (NUP), Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Popular Congress Party (PCP) and the Sudanese Communist Party (SCP) released a joint statement expressing their fears. “The biggest and the most dangerous repercussion to the war is the destruction of the social fabric of the state. This is caused by consolidation of fear by the government. They are targeting civilians on the basis of race and ethnicity. It will have health and other long term effects in the future,” the statement said.The conflict in Blue Nile erupted on September 1, 2011 when Sudanese armed forces clashed with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA).Further, the statement urged an immediate cessation to the war in the state and engagement in national dialogue. “There should be a serious and meaningful participation of all components of society in the state without anybody being excluded so that we can reach political solutions to end the conflict,” the parties urged.The opposition parties stressed on the need to stop the war in the wake of the farming season and the academic year. “There should be stability so that business between various cities in the state can take place. Investors should be reassured about their investments. There also needs to be some development processes to improve infrastructure facilities after refugees return home,” they added.